A LAKE District village turned continental after welcoming a number of Italian visitors.

Coniston welcomed 16 visitors from their twin town of Solto Collina earlier this year.

It was the latest visit between the two, which have been connected since 2009.

The Italian town, situated on the shores of Lake Iseo in the Italian lake district is on the southern edge of the Alps.

Jackie Coe, secretary of Coniston and District International Twinning Association, said: "Our inspiration for twinning is based on the things we share - mountains, lake, beautiful scenery, sheep farming and industries to do with stone.

"The main difference is that their lake and mountains are much bigger. A drive round Lago Iseo is 37 miles, which is quite a lot more than Coniston's 14."

The group arrived in the town on Saturday July 1, when they took the bus to Torver to visit Jackie Hadwin's art studio, before walking along country lanes and paths to Torver jetty.

The Italian guests were taken along to the Bikers' Breakfast at Torver Church Hall, where they were also able to take part in the short service.

Mrs Coe said: "Sunday was a spiritual day in various interesting ways.

"For many of our visitors it was their first experience of a full English breakfast and the motorbikes were closely inspected. Our oldest visitor fancied a go."

The group also visited Swarthmoor Hall in Ulverston, where a guided bilingual tour in English and Italian taught the group about the Quakers and the history of the building.

Part of the group also attended a meditation session in the nearby Buddhist temple.

The weekend ended with a Jacob's join and singalong at the sports and Sscial centre in Coniston.

Eight households in the village hosted two guests each during their stay.

Mrs Coe said: "As we said our goodbyes we agreed that new friendships had been forged and old ones renewed.

"Coniston villagers who have already been to Solto Collina are looking forward to going back next year, and others are looking forward to visiting for the first time."